Press

SALEM, Mass.—After an extensive search, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, John McCrae, who will join the museum on May 31, 2005.

McCrae joins PEM at a pivotal point in the museum's history – two years after a project transformed the institution into a major museum of art and culture. He brings to the new PEM broad experience in nonprofit finance, accounting, and management. For the past six years, McCrae has served as Director of Finance and Administration at The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), the nation's oldest regional non profit conservation organisation. While there, he oversaw accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, human resources, and information technology. He also played a central role in creating new and more sophisticated systems of financial accountability and transparency. Prior to joining TTOR, McCrae served for 10 years as Director of Finance at The Wang Center for the Performing Arts, where he directed the accounting department. He has also worked as an audit supervisor at both KPMG Peat Marwick and Grant Thornton.

"Beyond John's financial experience, he brings to his new role as CFO a deep interest in the museum's mission and a commitment to working closely with all of us to continue PEM's dynamic period of transformation. I know that he will be an excellent addition to our staff," said Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Basseches.

McCrae will report to Basseches and will be a member of the museum's senior management team.

"PEM is a world class institution with talented staff and volunteers and outstanding facilities, exhibition and public programming. My financial career has been dedicated to the nonprofit sector and this is an exceptional opportunity to serve a distinguished organization at a significant juncture in its long history," said McCrae.

McCrae lives with his wife and their two children in Hamilton, Massachusetts.